Leh, May 9: A major conference on the theme “Past, Present and Future of Buddhism in Ladakh” was held at the Dharma Centre Leh under the chairmanship of Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche as part of the ongoing Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Gautama Buddha in Ladakh.
The conference was organised by the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ladakh Gonpa Association and witnessed participation of monks, scholars, students, officials and devotees from across the region.
The programme began with ceremonial lamp lighting by Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh Ashish Kundra along with His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and senior Rinpoches.
Welcoming the gathering, Ladakh Gonpa Association President Dorjey Stanzin highlighted the spiritual importance of the sacred Buddha relics and appreciated the support of the UT Administration in organising the exposition. He said the conference aimed to reflect on the historical roots, present status and future direction of Buddhism in Ladakh.
In his keynote remarks, Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche termed the arrival of the sacred relics a “great blessing” for the people of Ladakh and stressed the need to preserve Buddhist teachings, culture and traditions for future generations. He urged youth to stay connected with their spiritual and cultural heritage.
During the event, a book titled Gon Sum La Stodpa Rangshar Melong authored by Khenchen Tsering Rigzin was formally released.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the overwhelming public response to the sacred exposition reflected the deep devotion of Ladakh’s people towards Lord Buddha. He said the teachings of Buddhism continue to inspire peace, compassion and harmony across the world and praised Ladakh for its tradition of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Director Tourism Tsering Paldan.
The technical session featured lectures and presentations by noted scholars and speakers including Khenchen Tsewang Rigzin, Thupstan Paldan, Jigmet Chorol, Tsering Dolkar and Lundup Gyalson on Buddhism’s contribution to Ladakh’s culture, social harmony and contemporary society.
Among others present were Secretary School Education Bhanu Prabha and Secretary Tourism and Culture Sanjeet Rodrigues.
